The Business Case for “Stick” Computing

Google and ASUS announced what will be called the Chromebit, a USB drive-style device described as a full computer “smaller than a candy bar… that will be available for less than $100. By simply plugging this device into any display, you can turn it into a computer.” Availability is targeted for this summer.

Meanwhile, reports noted that the Intel Ultra-Slim Compute Stick announced in January at CES 2015 is available for order at Newegg and other online sources with either Windows 8.1 (for $150) or Ubuntu Linux 14.04 (for $110) preloaded. The Stick is Android-based and enabling Windows requires an activation fee.

The Intel Compute Stick is somewhat similar in form and features to Dell’s Wyse Cloud Connect, which was launched in January 2014. Both connect to displays via HDMI/HML ports and offer mini-USB ports for external power sources. Both contain a CPU, RAM and Flash storage capable of supporting essential computing tasks, as well as a Micro SD slot for adding storage capacity. Both include 802.11b/g/n and Bluetooth 4.0 for wireless connectivity, as well as a USB 2.0 input for connecting other devices.